Sumitomo Corp : Feasibility Study on the cogeneration system & district heating and cooling for the Chulalongkorn University's Property in Thailand

Sumitomo Corporation (President and CEO: Susumu Kato; hereinafter "SC") hereby announces that the Company, Energy Advance Co., Ltd. (President: Sentaro Miura; hereinafter "ENAC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (President: Tsuyoshi Okamoto), and PTT Public Company Limited, (Thailand; hereinafter "PTT"), have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) to collaboratively conduct a feasibility study on the cogeneration system with district heating and cooling system and the smart energy network applications for the Chulalongkorn University's property. This joint research plan, which also involves PTT, is the first tie-up feasibility study program to be conducted by the two Japanese companies in Thailand.

Chulalongkorn University has an area redevelopment plan amongst about 523 acres (approximately 212 thousand m2) of land it owns in the commercial zone in the center of the capital city of Bangkok. The University wants to make more effective use of the land by attracting new office buildings and commercial complexes. SC and ENAC will cooperate with PTT in conducting field research on the potential demand for electricity and heat in the lots specified for the feasibility study within the redevelopment area. Based on the research results, we will examine and assess the feasibility of introducing an optimal electricity and heat supply system into the planned redevelopment area. Among other advantages, this system is aimed at facilitating both economic growth and environmental conservation from a variety of angles including cogeneration, solar power and other renewable energy sources, with a smart energy network that would enable area-wide optimization of energy use.

Through this feasibility study program, SC will demonstrate its more than half a century of know-how and expertise in investing in extensive business areas in Thailand since opening its first office in the country. Meanwhile, ENAC is expected to utilize its technology and operational know-how in using natural gas for gas cogeneration systems and district heating/cooling systems. The program is scheduled for completion by July 2012.

SC is actively expanding its business in the areas of energy conservation and smart communities. In line with this, we will work to develop the optimal energy infrastructure for Chulalongkorn University's redevelopment project.

For ENAC, this will form part of its commitment to expanding its overseas business in energy supply and engineering services as well as promoting its smart energy network, which are the focus areas defined under the Challenge 2020 Vision in the Tokyo Gas Group's long-term plan.

Building on the recent agreement, SC and ENAC intend to expand their involvement in the redevelopment project, specifically by winning orders for a range of energy infrastructure development processes from design and construction to operation, seeking to increase business opportunities.